Never Bean Better Day

Never Bean Better Day celebrates therapy animals and the positive impact they have on people’s lives. Pet therapy involves treating individuals with the help of animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and even dolphins. Research shows that interactions with animals can improve the well-being of people with many different health conditions.

History

Never Bean Better Day is observed on August 22, the birthday of the famous therapy dog Bean. Bean, a Golden Retriever, was born in 2009 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. In 2011, Bean became a registered therapy dog and began working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and schools across the United States. Bean also participated in shows and fundraising events for charity, becoming well known. In 2017, the National Days Calendar officially declared August 22 as Never Bean Better Day in honor of Bean’s birthday.

Interesting Facts

1. The first recorded use of dogs in therapy was at The Retreat, a British mental health clinic founded in 1796.
2. Therapy involving dogs is called canistherapy, from the Latin word “canis,” meaning “dog.”
3. The first known therapy dog was Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier who served in the US Air Force during World War II. Smoky earned military decorations, achieved the rank of corporal, and worked in hospitals for 12 years.
4. The term “pet therapy” was introduced in 1969 by American child psychiatrist Boris Levinson, who observed that young patients were positively influenced by interacting with his dog in the waiting room.

How to Take Part

On Never Bean Better Day, you can buy a small gift for your own pet or for the pets of friends and family. It is a day to appreciate the therapeutic roles pets play in our lives—both certified therapy animals and the pets who provide comfort every day.

When is Never Bean Better Day in 2025?

Never Bean Better Day is observed on August 22 each year.

Observations